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Winter weather

Cold weather preparedness is important. It helps prevent avoidable illnesses and can reduce the risk of excess winter deaths. There are lots of things you can do to help yourself and those around you stay well in winter.

Who is at risk from cold weather

Whilst exposure to cold weather can affect anyone, some people are particularly at risk. These include:

  • Older people (aged 65 years and over) - at the population level, studies show this is the age at which risk starts to increase
  • Babies and young children (particularly those aged 5 years and under) - studies suggest a relationship between living in cold homes and poor infant weight gain, because babies living in colder homes need more calories to help them develop and grow
  • People with long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition
  • Pregnant women - evidence suggests an association between low temperatures in late pregnancy and increased risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm births
  • People with learning disabilities
  • People at risk of falls
  • People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
  • People who are housebound or have low mobility
  • People on low incomes
  • People experiencing homelessness or people sleeping rough

Keep warm and well this winter

Thinking ahead and preparing for what the weather may bring can make a real difference. There are some simple actions that can help you to stay safe and healthy at this time of year:

  • Check the weather forecast and the news. If bad weather is forecast, make sure you have everything you need at home. Check you’ve got enough medication and food in case it’s harder to leave the house
  • Wear multiple layers of thin clothing
  • Wear shoes with good grip when you go outside to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces
  • Eat well and stay hydrated. It can sometimes be difficult to keep up the motivation to prepare meals in winter, but our diet, including how much we eat, is an important part of staying healthy and well. Batch cooking and freezing meals can save time and help you eat balanced meals even when you're busy or feeling low on energy
  • Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom
  • When indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Keep moving - stretch, walk around, or do light chores. If you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also help keep you warm
  • Fresh air helps prevent damp and mould, so open windows regularly. Don’t let your home get cold, but do let it breathe. Try opening windows briefly and regularly, especially when cooking or showering
  • Cold weather and shorter days can affect your mood. Stay connected with friends and family, and visit Community Spaces for warmth and company
  • If you or your family members are eligible, get vaccinated for flu and covid-19

Make sure appliances are safe and working well. Have your heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe® registered engineer to make sure they are working safely. Find a gas engineer through the Gas Safe Register.

Protect against carbon monoxide. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm certified to BS Kitemark or EN 50291, ideally a digital one that shows levels. Test it regularly.

Practical and financial support

People in financial difficulty may find it more difficult to heat their homes sufficiently. This increases the risk of becoming unwell due to cold exposure.

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to help you make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help manage energy bills. There are also support measures in place to help with the cost of living, especially for those on low incomes.

Community Spaces

Visit a cost of living space for warmth and company.

Winter warmth home service

Check eligibility for warm packs or the Winter Warmth Home Service – Look out for a council letter. If you haven’t received one but need help, visit CREW Energy to find pickup locations:

South West London energy advice partnership (SWLEAP)

The South West London Energy Advice Partnership (SWLEAP) provides free, impartial energy advice. Call 0800 086 2706 for friendly support with managing energy bills.

CREW Energy London

CREW Energy provides free, independent support to help you reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions, offering advice on suitable low-carbon options, funding, installation, and ongoing support to make the switch as straightforward as possible.

More information

For more information on cost of living support:

Road gritting

Keep an eye on council news and updates for details on when and how to collect free grit.

Information on where our road gritting procedures and routes can be found is available on our road gritting pages.

For rules on driving in adverse weather conditions, read The Highway Code.

Flooding and health guidance

Flooding can affect health in several ways. It can cause physical injuries, increase the risk of skin or gut infections, increase mental stresses and cause breathing problems due to mould and damp conditions.

Read our guidance to learn how to prepare for flooding, what to do during a flood emergency, and what to do after a flood.

More information

Up to: Severe weather

Updated: 07 October 2025

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